Climate change is leading to an increase in malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa, particularly in regions like Kenya’s highlands. Experts warn that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are exacerbating public health challenges, potentially causing significant increases in malaria-related deaths. Strengthened surveillance and malaria control strategies are crucial for addressing these emerging threats.
Climate change is significantly contributing to an increase in malaria cases and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa, as reported by health experts. Rising temperatures are exacerbating public health challenges, with notable implications for areas like Kenya’s highlands, which have historically experienced low malaria prevalence. According to Dorothy Memusi, an academic researcher with extensive experience in Kenya’s Ministry of Health, these changes in disease patterns are closely linked to climate shifts.
Memusi highlighted findings indicating that regions such as Kenya’s Rift Valley are witnessing a surge in malaria cases attributed to subtle climatic changes. She noted, “The resurgence of malaria in the east African highlands has shown how small changes in climate can influence the geography of some tropical diseases.”
A World Health Organization report released in December underscores the rising global risks of malaria transmission due to climate change, projecting an increase of 550,000 malaria-related deaths in Africa between 2030 and 2049. Memusi elaborated on the life cycle of the malaria parasite, explaining that temperature significantly affects its maturation within the Anopheles mosquito, which is crucial for transmission efficiency.
Additionally, both temperature and rainfall impact the development and survival of malaria parasites. A 2004 joint study indicated that higher temperatures and associated humidity could result in an increase in the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes at elevated altitudes, thereby spreading the disease to previously unaffected regions.
While acknowledging the complexities of malaria transmission, Memusi cautioned that quantifying the impact of climate change is challenging, given various influencing factors, including human activities like deforestation and drug resistance.
Dr. Willis Akhwale, a medical expert with the Kenya End Malaria Council, emphasized that the rise in malaria cases in higher altitudes is largely attributed to increased drug resistance and insufficient pesticide use in mosquito habitats. He asserted the importance of surveillance and preparedness as key strategies in malaria control, along with early diagnosis and effective treatment measures.
In summary, climate change plays a critical role in the resurgence of malaria cases across Africa, particularly in areas that previously had low prevalence. Health experts like Dorothy Memusi and Dr. Willis Akhwale emphasize the importance of understanding how rising temperatures, rainfall, and human activities contribute to this global health threat. Enhanced surveillance and effective malaria control strategies are paramount to mitigate this growing concern.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
